As the temperature reaches the 100+ area, remember that LA County has established cooling centers to take the edge off the heat.
The nearest cooling centers are the Altadena Senior Center, 560 E. Mariposa, 798-4971, Mon.-Fri., 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, and the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St., 795-4331, Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30, and Sat. 8:30 AM-3 PM. (Call ahead of time to make sure they're still open on a given day). Otherwise, call 211.
Sgt. Yolanda Palomo of the Altadena Sheriff's Station has also sent the following advice for keeping cool:
If you plan to be outdoors, please take precautions to protect yourself from the sun and heat.
• Put on plenty of sun block and wear a wide brimmed hat or carry an umbrella.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Drink water often, don’t wait until you are thirsty.
• Avoid unnecessary exertion.
• If you experience dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps and increased thirst you need to relax in a cooler, shaded place and drink water or a sports drink.
• More severe symptoms (such as disorientation, pale and clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, and/or fast and shallow breathing) may indicate heat exhaustion or impending heat stroke. Seek immediate medical attention.
• If you are traveling on vacation or running errands around town, NEVER leave a senior, child or pet in a closed car or any vehicle since temperatures can quickly rise to life-threatening levels.
• If you know seniors who live alone or people whose immune and/or respiratory systems are not working properly, check on them regularly to make sure they are staying cool.
• Offer assistance to “shut-ins” in your neighborhood. Check on them frequently during hot weather.
